Jerry Malone Atkinson

Jerry Malone Atkinson of Calimesa, CA, a man of deep faith, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, led an extraordinary life having a life expectancy of 20 to 30 years but living to be over 86 years old. Born March 15, 1940, in Madera, CA, and graduating to heaven on October 13, 2026, his legacy rests on his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave his life to Jesus when he was just 8 years old. His desire was for all his family and friends to come to know and love Jesus.

He grew up going to Beacon Light Baptist Church in Madera as a youth. He was a deacon and served on the Finance Committee at Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland, CA and served as a deacon at Bryant Street Baptist Church in Yucaipa, CA. He served on many committees at Yucaipa First Baptist Church and served in churches in Castro Valley, CA and Lemon Grove Baptist Church in Lemon Grove, CA.

Jerry was a leader in the youth, college age, and senior classes at the various churches he attended through the years and many of those people still get together. Jerry’s family gave the land and helped with the building of Beacon Light Baptist Church in Madera, CA and he helped build Bryant Street Baptist Church with the congregation literally building the church from the ground up.

Jerry’s dream was to be an automobile dealer which he achieved when he and his wife purchased Center Chevrolet in San Bernardino, CA. Prior to that he worked for Chevrolet Motor Division, General Motors Corporation, for eighteen years. His love for automobiles came as a youth and he worked as a service station attendant at Berenda Ranch in Madera, CA. He attended Fresno State College where he received a BS degree in Automotive Technology. His first job after college was as a lube technician at Nowling Oldsmobile in Downey, CA. Jerry met his wife while attending Fresno State College. Most of their dates were going to the auto races which he dearly loved.

Jerry was a member of numerous organizations some of which included Southern California Chevrolet Dealers Association (President), National Automobile Dealers Association, Chevy 11 Group (President) Route 66 Organizing Committee sponsored by the San Bernardino Visitors and Convention Association (President). The Route 66 Rendezvous attracted more than 500,000 visitors to San Bernardino, CA for many years for the three day nationally recognized event.

Jerry was President of his Rotary Club, a member of several Chambers of Commerce of which served on various committees. He also was a member of Inland Action and often travelled with them on their annual trips to Washington D.C. and Sacramento, CA as a representative to lobby for the Inland Empire. Jerry also supported the American Heart Association, The Unforgettables Foundation, the YMCA (Y’s Guy Event), San Bernardino Symphony, and numerous golf tournaments for so many different charities. He gave away a truck at the Inland Center Mall for the building of what is now San Manuel 66er’s Baseball Stadium and gave the very first vehicle for the Yucaipa Sheriff’s Department Citizen’s Patrol.

Jerry and his wife owned Center Chevrolet for twenty-six years and also owned Oak Tree Village in Oak Glen (Yucaipa) CA from 1977 to 1989. It was formerly known as Appleland and now is known as Oak Tree Mountain. They took that from a seasonal operation to being open year around. That is where they raised their children.

Jerry and his wife travelled the world from above the Arctic Circle to the tip of South Africa including six of the seven continents. They had a love for travel. He loved sports and was an avid Dodgers fan.

Jerry’s family was his greatest joy. He was devoted to them and is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Editha Ann Atkinson. He also leaves behind his son, David Atkinson and granddaughter Aynalise Atkinson; his daughter, Cindy Cross and her husband Jason and their two children Joshua Cross (Kami) and Jordan Cross; his sister, Marlene Beatty; and his brother, Michael Atkinson along with numerous other friends and family members. He is predeceased by his father Darrell Lindsay Atkinson and mother Aline Beatrice Atkinson and three sisters, Freda Charlene Atkinson, Jean Yvonne Burns, and Sarah Laverne Abshire.

Jerry’s health history is amazing. We thank Fresno Community Hospital in Fresno, CA for saving his life at 16 years old. Known as the “Frozen Man”, the doctors literally froze his body to perform his first heart operation when he was sixteen years old. Having several other heart operations and procedures God allowed him his long life of 86 years. Many of the procedures were done at Loma Linda University Hospital and subsequently with amazing care and concern he passed away at San Gorgonio Hospital in Banning, CA. The family is deeply grateful to Comfort Keepers, and especially Maryann Ornelas, for her care for the family in the last few years.

Jerry leaves behind so many wonderful memories, family members, and friends. He will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, kindness, caring, and his good-natured humor whose presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Those wishing to make a donation may do so to Immanuel Baptist Church or their local church or service organization in his memory.

Jerry’s Celebration of Life will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, 28355 Base Line St., Highland, CA 92346 on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with a luncheon following.